Mixed Me!

by Taye Diggs, Shane W. Evans (Illustrator)

The team who brought us Chocolate Me! , Taye Diggs and illustrator by Shane W. Evans, return with an upbeat story about a mixed-race boy in this heartfelt picture book. Mixed Me! .

Mom and Dad say I'm a blend of dark and
"We mixed you perfectly, and got you just right."

Mike has awesome hair. He has LOTS of energy! His parents love him. And Mike is a PERFECT blend of the two of them.

Still, Mike has to answer LOTS of questions about being mixed. And he does, with LOTS of energy and joy in this charming story about a day in the life of a mixed-race child.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Cultural, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Self Esteem

32 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2015

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mixed Me! So, this really missed the mark for me. I found it far too negative and not particularly satisfying. I appreciate the message of the child being proud of being mixed-race, loving both his parents, and not wanting to "choose sides" but... the narrative is really clunky for me and some of it just comes off sounding odd, IMO: "I'm a combo plate! Garden salad, rice and beans -- tasting GREAT!"

I find the book too negative without presenting constructive solutions. It didn't feel enough like a celebration of mixed-race for children who are not feeling negativity toward being mixed-race but it also doesn't seem helpful enough for children who are experiencing bullying etc. There are no solutions presented to how to deal with the children (some of whom, I think, don't actually mean any harm but are simply perhaps curious about Mike's appearance). Mike's attitude of, "If you don't get it, then you don't get it. UH-HUH, I said it!" and running off just doesn't seem particularly constructive in any way, almost as if he is just closing himself off from others. I'm glad he's happy with himself but I'm not sure what the message is here for the reader facing difficulties. Also, it shows nothing but (at best) staring and questions or (at worse) negativity and bullying. from the kids at "Mixed-Up Mike's" school and I just don't see that as being accurate, either. I realize that this is certainly an issue many children deal with, but I also realize that, at least in many cases, not *everyone* is going to stare, make comments, etc. etc.

As for the illustrations, they are not my cup of tea, but my primary complaint is that the way the book was printed, the father and mother do not appear to have that different of skin tones. In reading another GR friend's review, I realize this is a problem with the printing of the book as the original illustrations show the mother with much lighter (Caucasian) skin tone. So, if you have one of the editions with the tonal issues, it really makes the story even more confusing for children.

I am sorry to give such a low rating to a book that, I feel, has its heart in the right place but I personally will look for other books to share with my children on the subject.

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

The young narrator of this upbeat picture-book celebrates his life as a child of mixed racial ancestry, content that he is a blend of his father and mother, just as all children are. Brushing off the curious stares of outsiders, refusing intervention when it comes to his hair, he demonstrates self-confidence and self-acceptance, concluding that he is 'just right' as he is.

Actor Taye Diggs, whose debut picture-book, Chocolate Me! , addressed the themes of childhood self-acceptance and affirmation in the face of society's racial prejudices, returns to that idea in his follow up, Mixed Me!. Here his child narrator feels pressure to explain his status as a child of mixed-race parentage, and to choose where he truly belongs. Much like its predecessor, I found that although I was in sympathy with the idea of the book, the writing itself did nothing for me, and sometimes felt rather awkward. I was a little confused at one point, moreover, because the narrative seems to be describing a child whose parents are of different races, but the artwork seems to depict parents who are African-American, but of different shades. Then I looked online, and saw some scans of the artwork, particularly the page where the narrator's parents are kissing him, and I realized that my printing reproduces the illustrations incorrectly, with a far darker tone than in the original. I know that printing variations happen, but it seems like this would be something to pay particular attention to, in a picture-book of this nature. Leaving that issue aside, I did like Shane Evans' artwork, which was colorful and energetic, matching the tone of the text.

All in all, this was a mixed bag for me (no pun intended). I liked the idea of Mixed Me!, but not so much the execution. Still, tastes vary, and some parents and children may get good use out of the book, particularly if they are confronting the issues laid out in the story.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of Chocolate Me! returns with his second picture book. Mike is a boy with wild curls whose skin doesn’t match that either his mother or his father. His father has dark skin and his mother light, and Mike is somewhere in between. Mike loves to run and dash with a cape on his back. He knows exactly who he is and is proud to be a mix of both of his parents. He’s not mixed up at all, he just wants to do his own thing, wear his hair the way he likes it, choose his own clothes, and be exactly who he is.

Taye Diggs, the well-known actor, keeps his book fast moving and filled with rhythm. The character of Mike is a joy to find on the page, a creative boy who has a look and personality all his own. The frank look at skin color is also very welcome as is the exuberant acceptance of being mixed race and the beauty that brings.

Evans’ illustrations are a dynamic collage of fabrics, printed paper and skilled drawing. The way that Mike’s hair is shown gives it its own personality, often moving ahead of Mike himself as he zips through life. The art celebrates different races and colors and the way that Mike stands out for all sorts of reasons from the crowd.

A celebration of self-acceptance, children of all backgrounds will enjoy this book. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is super cute, it should be a fun book for all children to read. I'm not this kid, but I know this kid and I celebrate his joyful spirit and confidence in being exactly who he is. The book is exuberant, it has an energy in the art that conveys the boy, Mike, bounding and running, jumping up to hug his mom and dad, there's an energy and movement and life to it that makes it feel like a real little boy, not just flat images on the page. And the words have a modern feeling and rhythm as well. Reading this book out loud to children won't sound stiff and lecturing, it will sound more familiar to them because it's the kind of sound and rhythm any friend of theirs might use. It's a simple message clearly conveyed in the story and in the art. There are things in the background that also convey the "mixed is good" message, including the many juice boxes that seem to be a sort of logo for the book, and an adorable dog who appears to be a terrier/beagle mix or some sort of mutt, named Mixamillion. (I'm not partial to the book just because the dog looks a little bit like mine, I swear.) My only complaint is that the color used for the mother is a bit confusing. The text of the book implies that she is Caucasian, that's kind of the point, but she looks darker than the boy in some places. It doesn't convey the idea it was supposed to when the text says that people stare at them when they're out together sometimes (because of their different colors) but the picture of them shows a woman who appears to be pretty dark. I've never been a fan of the peach colored crayon, I'm certainly not peach, but the shade of brown that they used for the mom really doesn't work either.

I'm not a child or a person of mixed "races" (I dislike that word, we're all the human race) but I still identified with the boy in the book because I had remember friends who were and the things they went through, have friends now who are mixed race families, and my family has a number of mixed Caucasian/Asian families as well. I remember going places with my cousins and people giving us a hard time, not believing we could be related and how uncomfortable it made us feel, or defiant and proud to be different, but always called out and different. People can be cruel, casually and unthinkingly. This book isn't going to change anyone's deeply held prejudices, but it might make some people, adults and children, think before they say something that they now realize is hurtful. And it might help children who are fantastically and wonderfully mixed, melded, blended, and uniquely beautiful to celebrate who they are and how wonderful their family is. I think the book is adorable and does a good job of conveying exactly what the author, Taye Diggs, wanted to say. I know there are people who don't like the word mixed, I can't weigh in on that, but the idea that every kid is perfect just as they are, and that this kid is beautiful from wildly curly hair to creamy brown toe is one I definitely agree with and hope a lot of kids will see and agree with as well.

[Encian Pastel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose not to bring this book into my preschool classroom because it presents the protagonist's mixed-race identity as 1) the main plot of the book, and 2) a problem to be solved. Although the protagonist embraces his identity, it makes no sense to introduce young children to the idea that there may be something wrong or shameful about being mixed that needs to be overcome. Rather, we're trying to help kids build their self-pride, so that if & when they encounter difficulties they'll respond with resilience.

I might use this book with older children if there is already significant teasing happening as a way of opening a conversation. I liked the rhyming and the illustrations.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Taye Diggs' picture book Chocolate Me! I love this one more. I disagree with readers who say the rhymes are awkward. If you can catch the beat, I think it's a terrific read aloud. And Shane W. Evans illustrations steal the show.

[Erica Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the sentiment and there are some great lines like the perfect blend of dark and light part, but the beat poetry style of it just isn't for me. I would feel ridiculous reading it out loud.

[Agnė · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shane W. Evans' mixed-media illustrations are colorful and vibrant:




However, I believe this book is supposed to be celebrating biraciality, but the fact that the main character not only is biracial but also has two different-colored eyes and likes to wear two different shoes seems to be working against the point a little. For example, the little boy says:

"They call me Mixed-up Mike,
but that name should be fixed.
I'm not mixed up,
I just happen to be mixed."

But when you wear a soccer cleat on one foot and a basketball shoe on the other, you do seem kinda mixed-up, not just mixed...

Also, the protagonist's voice sounds cool and full of energy as he speaks with a rap beat:

"If you don't get it, then you don't get it.
I'm doing my thing, so don't forget it.
UH-HUH, I said it!

I'm a beautiful blend of dark and light,
I was mixed up perfectly,
and I'm JUST RIGHT!

However, at some other places I occasionally had a hard time catching the rhythm.

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun! I really enjoyed the fast-paced beat-poetry-style of the writing and the collage-style art. The message is not groundbreaking, but that doesn't mean it isn't important. I think this would be a great book for mixed kids to see a version of themselves in and also a great book for kids who aren't mixed to learn about someone with different experiences then theirs.

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

This needed a little more work. Wasn’t as strong as I would’ve hoped

[Kylie Coon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I love that it gives the child the ability to tell others it's okay to be different from each other and that we are all different. This is such a great book about culture and race. I will have this book in my classroom library.

[Caitlin Wooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is coming from the point of a biracial child named Mike who is confident in his own identity within his community. His mother is biracial with light brown skin and his father is black with dark black skin. He understands that his parents are made up of the different skin tones, and explains that this is why he is mixed so perfectly. Mike never wavers on his sense of pride towards his skin tone and is proud to be mixed. He touches on a few assumptions and answers some classmates questions but never feels the need to feel a need to change the way he is. He understands who he is and is okay with others who don't always understand his skin tone.

This book was a good quality multicultural book. There were no stereotypes other than the ones that were used to explain how others questioned mikes color. When they were addressed rather than dismissing the assumptions the author took the chance to have mike explain and educate his peers on his skin tone and hair texture. This book would be an awesome read aloud, its rhymes would keep children engaged and excited.

[Brittaney Ellis]

text-to-teaching connection


I am currently looking for this book to read to my pre-kindergarten class. There are two activities I would do after reading the story. The first one I would do is allow the students to dress up in mitch-match clothing from their hair down to their shoes. The children would then be taught the message that no matter what is on the outside, they are still the same person on the inside and people that love them will love them regardless of how they appear. The second activity would revert to the part in the book where the father was compared to chocolate and his mom to caramel. I would allow the children to make brownies with caramel syrup mixed in and eat the cupcakes.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actor Taye Diggs tackles the topic of mixed-race children of interracial marriages in his second collaboration with prize-winning illustrator Shane W. Evans.

The book (he explained on "The Today Show") was inspired by his son, who is of mixed race. His mother is actress and singer Indina Menzel. “His mom is vanilla, and I’m dark chocolate,” Diggs said on the show. “I just wanted to write a little something that touched on their experiences.”

Using simple but effective rhymes that have a musical, jazzy feel, Diggs gets to the heart of the matter:

“See, my dad’s a deep brown and
my mom’s rich cream and honey.
Then people see me, and they look at us funny.”

“There are so many flavors
to savor and taste!
Why pick only one
color or face?
Why pick one race?”

People sometimes stare and call him “Mixed-up Mike" but he doesn’t care. He says, “I’m a combo plate!” Echoing the loving acceptance of his parents, he insists:

“I’m a beautiful blend of dark and light,
I was mixed up perfectly,
and I’m JUST RIGHT!”

Shane Evans is one of my favorite illustrators. Here he uses textured mixed-media watercolor and pencil illustrations in bright rainbow hues to show the glory and beauty of all colors.

Evaluation: This joyous celebration of combination, family, and love, will delight both kids and parents.

[Nadia L. Hohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay and I love the colourful illustrations. However, I felt like it made it sound like the parents themselves chose to mix the child with good things and why choose one race. This bothered me. It did not suggest the child could have pride in each heritage or that they have "the best of two worlds" but that they only a combination and their existence reflects the close-mindedness of others who are not mixed. I am not sure if that is reading too deeply but I feel that way. Also, the concept of "two races" makes me feel uncomfortable.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lively picture book about a young boy named Mike who celebrates his biracial identity. With large expressive illustrations and high energy text, Mike makes it clear he feels good about himself: “I’m a beautiful blend of dark and light, I was mixed up perfectly, and I’m JUST RIGHT!” A welcome addition for any children’s collection seeking diversity titles with uplifting messages.

[Che · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too easy. Conflict easily solved. No attached emotion.
Can't recommend this one.

[Maggie Mattmiller · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's cute. Nothing deep. Kids who can relate might enjoy the rhythm of this one. Kids who can't relate might not get much, but might gain some understanding I suppose.

[Becky Carleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautiful book was illustrated by Kansas City artist Shane Evans. Pair this book with I Ain't Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont to celebrate the skin we're in.

[Michelle Farella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Families come in all colors. Great message!

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The message of this book is fabulous, the text not so much.

[Desi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“My mom and dad say I’m a blend of dark and light. ‘We mixed you perfectly and got you JUST RIGHT!’’” (p. 16) I had bought this book for my son a while back because I thought it would help him in the long run about being of mixed ethnicities. Taye Diggs, who is also a well known celebrity, created this book with inspiration from his own son who is both black and white. The story is about a little boy with crazy curly hair named “Mixed Up Mike” and through out the book he tells the reader how much of an individual he is. He goes on to explain that there is nothing wrong with the way he looks because it’s what makes him who he is. He is proud to be mixed and is taught not to be ashamed of it.
The illustrations are bright and colorful and what I really loved about them is that in the background of most of the pages you get cute subtle hints of what this book is about. For instance, on pages 7 and 8 is the illustration of Mixed Up Mike with both his mom and dad in the kitchen and in the background on the refrigerator there are foods labeled “Blended Flakes” cereal, and “Yum Brownie Mix”, the magnets on the fridge, though scattered, makes out the word “mixed” the dish soap is labeled “Multi-Use Soap” and even the dogs name is written “Mixamillion” on his bowl.
Though this book doesn’t have a rhyme scheme to it it does have a very old school hip-hop slow to it. It is a little hard to catch on to when you first read it but it works because like Mixed Up Mike, it’s very different and special in that way. I do encourage children of all mixed ethnicities to read this book or parents to read this to their children whether they be mixed with Mexican and Arabic like my son or black and white, or even for those who aren’t of mixed ethnicities it would be important for them to know that there are families who are mixed and it’s nothing to make fun of or feel ashamed of.

[Natasha Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

“They call me Mixed up Mike, but the name should be fixed. I’m not mixed up, I just happen to be mixed”. Mixed Me is an adorable picture book about a mixed kid named Mike. His dad is black and his mom is white and together they made him. Although people don't really understand his hair, or his parents not being the same race, Mike doesn't care. He is a confident kid who doesn’t pick his white side over his black side, he plays with kids of all races.

I give Mixed Me 3 stars. Although I enjoyed the story about a kid who is confident about his identity, I can’t get over how weirdly written this story is. I feel as if the author was trying too hard to appeal to the youth of today by having the main character use words like “crazy-fresh-cool” (n.p). Also, the whole story is written to rhyme but it doesn’t flow like a poem. Had the author taken the rhyming out, and added a rising action and climax, the story would be worth raving about. I was also not a fan of the illustrator’s choice on the child’s hair. As a person with big curly hair I feel as if it made his hair seem wild and unkept. This may be a stylistic way of showing that the kid is a mix of black and white but I think there is a much simpler way of showing it. However, I loved the sayings on the juice boxes featured throughout the book. I don't want to spoil any of the clever sayings but they all have something to do with being mixed.

In the classroom Mixed Me could be my way into a topic on identity and self esteem. In the story Mike was used to the stares and the questions but he didn’t let them get him down. He is also very aware of who he is and where he fits in racially. It is not with the white kids, it is not with the black kids, it is with everyone.

[Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was compelled to read a book by one of my favorite actors, Taye Diggs, but aside from his skills as an actor, I quickly realized that he also excels in writing uplifting books for children, specifically children who may struggle with their own ethnic identities. Mixed Me! is an uplifting book about a young boy named Mike who is mixed race. Many children today often may feel criticized as Mike does in the story because of the struggle of explaining exactly what race they are. For Mike, he cannot answer the question of what his ethnicity is with a one-word answer. His mother and father come from different cultural backgrounds, so he cannot just say I am black or I am white. Mike is biracial and other curious children in the book often ask him questions about his race.
The images from the talented illustrator, Shane W. Evans, gleefully depict the joy of a young mixed-race boy who is comfortable in his own skin. The illustrations and storyline are uplifting for young readers who may not understand race and ethnicity or their own cultural identity. I enjoyed the color palette and the patterns that are displayed on different objects and characters. For example, Mike’s hair is curly, so to depict the curls in his hair, there are many swirls and waves that are shaded in with lighter colors so it makes the rest of his hair stand out. Although there is not much of a narrative structure to the story and there is not a specific sequence of events that occur, there are many inspiring illustrations that make the story enjoyable for the reader.

[Imani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an essential for multicultural and/or biracial children. The story is about a biracial child, Mike who is a blend of his parents. His peers says he is mixed up and his parents do not match. He is conflicted with the idea that he needs to pick one identity. He describes negative views from his peers and explains his own satisfaction with what others look down upon. He is proud of the way he looks, and confidentially shares it. He is open to his different peers, as he wants everyone to be open to him. He refers to himself as being Mixed, rather than the negative idea that he is "mixed up". The book has rhymes throughout, that grabs the attention of readers. The pictures provide accurate images. The pictures really give an accurate picture of his family and how they all blend together. It gives conflict that is age appropriate, simple statements about him not fitting into one box. The boy's classmates are diverse, but are drew to resemble one general race. The children are not talked about as attackers, but rather have a close minded outlook on biracial children. Mike's dialogue is representative of his cultures in his dialogue. His life simply showcases school and home. The author, Taye Diggs is a popular black actor who is married to a a white actress, Idina Menzel. They have a son whom is biracial. I imagine this book was inspired by his son. It is a wonderful book that gives his son, and others with similar families, to see themselves represented in an engaging book.

[Eliza Buell · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Mixed Me!", by Taye Diggs is a the story of a boy named Mike with a lots and and lots of hair who is half black and half white. His mother is white and his father is black, and he is described as being a mix of both. Mike has always been confident in himself, but lately he has been feeling self conscious about his skin colored because he feels that he is the only one who is interracial. Mike decides that it is okay to be "mixed" and is proud of who he is.
The theme in the book is to be proud and confident of our color, culture and backgrounds. Everyone is made different and we should be proud of who we are.
I gave this book at 4 star rating.
My personal experience to this book is that growing up, I went through a period of when I was not proud of what I looked like. My entire dad's side of the family has bright blonde hair and pale skin. Growing up, people would tease me and call my "albino" because of my skin and hair. Finally, I decided that I should be proud of how God made me and confident in who I am.
I would recommend this book to children who come from parents of different backgrounds, cultures, religions and more. Having parents from different backgrounds can be confusing for a child because they do not know which to identify themselves as. This book would teach children that we are all made in our own unique way, and no matter what are backgrounds are, we should be confident as the individuals that we were created to be.

[Sydney Padden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: Mike the main character is a young boy whose parents are both different races. Hi dad is described as having a "deep brown" skin color, while his mom has skin color that is "rich cream and honey". Mike gets sad in public because he thinks that he is different. The kids at school tell him that his parents don't match, and he is self conscious about the differences his family possess. Mike then explains that he does not like that his classmates think of him differently, but he is still confident in who he is.

Theme: Even though we all may have different colored skin or come from different backgrounds, we should be confident in the way we were made or raised. Differences are not weird or odd and no kid should feel sad about looking all different.

Personal Response: This book reminds me of a friend I had in middle school. She had two parents that were different races and sometimes felt odd or left out when we would talk about family dynamic in the classroom setting. My friend made me realize that it is okay to look different and I learned a lot about her heritage and background.

Recommendation: This book would be good for any young child that comes from parents of two colors or backgrounds. It provides a good mirror and window for students of a classroom. This book would be useful in a conversation about diversity and cultural differences. I would recommend that this book is read in the class because it shows how to deal and talk about differences.

[Haley Carlisle]

Mixed Me is full of different rhyming words, and fun vibrant illustrations. The story is about a biracial child named Mike. Throughout the story Mike is challenged by his peers because they say how is parents don’t match. Mike is proud of the way he looks and doesn’t choose what race he wants to be. Everyone calls him “Mixed up Mike” but wants others to know he’s just mixed not mixed up. He is very confident in who he is and doesn’t chose white or black, he chooses to connect with all races. The author uses rhymes throughout the story to engage the readers, and colorful illustrations to grab the readers attention. This book has realistic characters, and his dialogue represents his culture. This book uses language that’s appropriate for young children around the ages five to eight. I find this book perfect for read aloud because it can connect to children who come from biracial families. I also find this book useful for discussions in the classroom about diversity. This book relates to my topic because it discusses biracial families, and how children can handle situations like this in the classroom.

[Jordan Lanfair · Rating 2 out of 5]

With art that is reminiscent of "Rugrats," this story follows "Mixed Up Mike". This story simplifies more complex arguments for the sake of allowing biracial children to see each other. "Why pick one race", "if they care too much, about my hair too much", and "I was mixed up perfectly" are refrains from this story that at their core represent validation, but the language is diminishing to the fundamental parts of Black identity that are often pushed aside in biracial children. I truly wanted to like this book and the art is a beautiful throwback the to late 90s/early 2000s kids' shows. It breathes like a story that knows its target audience is millennials who are seeking children's literature to help them deal with the challenges they were never guided through. VERDICT: There is a free reading on youtube if you want to hear it for yourself, but this book was clearly supported because of a lack of literature for biracial children and the fact that Taye Diggs wrote it. It is easily forgettable.

[Corinne Creighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an delightful and enjoyable read on how a mixed student may be portrayed in school. The main character, Mixed-up Mike is a very energetic and happy fellow! Throughout the story, we see his confidence shine through as he educates his fellow classmates on why his parent's "don't match." He state that people stare at his parents and his fellow classmates wonder why he doesn't perfectly fit one color. Mixed-up Mike does not let this phase him, he clearly states that he is made just right throughout the story line.
This is a very up beat read and will bring joy an laughs to the classroom. The character's confidence is radiating off the pages. The illustrations in this book look like they are made with water color. I believe the illustrations will really connect with little students and emphasizes that fact that a kid is narrating the story. I highly recommend this book because of its upbeat and positive aura, lesson it teaches, and the joy people get from reading it.